Skip to Main Content

Posts Tagged ‘Maryland state parks’

    Older Entries »


Fall Foliage Report for November 7, 2024

All of Maryland is now past peak foliage for the year.  A drought that has affected Maryland throughout the year continues. As of Nov. 5, more than 53% of the state is experiencing severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. More than 83% of Maryland is experiencing moderate drought.  These dry conditions have made for  Read the Rest…



Fall Foliage Report for October 24, 2024

In Western Maryland the foliage season is coming to a close, while trees on the Eastern Shore are hitting a midpoint. Trees in Central Maryland are at peak. “In Anne Arundel, the sun-splashed yellow hickory leaves are sprinkled through the forest canopy. The red black gum are prominent while sweet gum are reddening up,” says  Read the Rest…


Fall Foliage Report for October 17, 2024

Parts of Western Maryland are past peak foliage for the season, while on the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland leaves are approaching their midpoint.  In Patapsco Valley State Park there are pockets of green, as well as holes in the forest canopy where winds have knocked down foliage. Foliage in Frederick is near its peak.  Read the Rest…



Maryland Natural Resources Police Report: Summer 2024

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) issued various citations and made numerous arrests for violations of criminal and natural resource law this summer. Charges filed against individuals include overfishing, theft, weapons violations, spotlighting deer, various incidents at Maryland State Parks, and other crimes.






Secretary’s Message: Maryland State Parks Are Always Worth Celebrating

In April, the Department of Natural Resources celebrated State Parks Week, an annual acknowledgement of the special significance of our public lands. Our state parks, under the leadership of the department’s dedicated Park Rangers, provide the amenities and activities that nearly 20 million Marylanders enjoy every year, each with its own unique opportunities to connect  Read the Rest…



Friends of Maryland State Parks Provides Funds for Projects Through ‘Small Grants, Big Impact!’

Program in its fourth year and supports more than 20 projects statewide The Friends of Maryland State Parks recently awarded 24 grants totaling $41,798 to Maryland State Parks statewide through the advocacy organization’s program, “Small Grants, Big Impact!”  These funds will enable staff to collaborate with community partners to provide information on Maryland’s cultural history,  Read the Rest…




Fall Foliage Report: November 16

“How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.” – George Burns Fall foliage in Maryland this year was unpredictable yet still delighted with breathtaking fall color, even if it was short-lived in some areas of the state. We began the season discussing possible leaf outcomes from this summer’s  Read the Rest…


Maryland Fall Foliage Forecast 2023

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald Fall officially kicks off Saturday, September 23, 2023—the same day as the autumn equinox—in the Northern Hemisphere. Many of us in Maryland are looking forward to leaving behind the days of record-breaking heat and welcoming clear, blue skies, cooler evenings  Read the Rest…


Secretary’s Message – August 2023

It’s a new day for Maryland’s Bays Governor Wes Moore recently announced a new strategy for how Maryland will deploy state resources to improve water quality in our waterways by better aligning our ongoing Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coastal Bays cleanup efforts with the latest science.  A major study released in May by leading Chesapeake  Read the Rest…



Maryland Department of Natural Resources Announces Summer 2023 Schedule for ‘Es Mi Parque’

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the summer schedule for ‘Es Mi Parque’ Spanish-language activity events at state parks throughout Maryland. The Es Mi Parque program was launched by the Department of Natural Resources in 2016 as a pilot project to improve customer service and reduce access barriers for the Hispanic community. It  Read the Rest…


The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Honors First Responders with Discounted Access to State Parks

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that beginning today, state resident first responders and law enforcement officers will receive a $40 discount for an Annual State Park and Trail Passport. The passport, which allows unlimited day-use entry for all of Maryland’s state parks and park facilities for one year, is otherwise available for  $75  Read the Rest…


Secretary’s Message – March 2023

Renewing Our Commitment to our State Parks Although our state parks welcome visitors all year, the arrival of spring means that visitation of Maryland’s vast public lands is about to increase. As I have made my way to Maryland Department of Natural Resources facilities across the state, I have seen the exemplary preparedness and dedication  Read the Rest…



Maryland First Day Hikes to Welcome 2023

Ranger-led and Self-guided Hikes Available Across Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites all Marylanders to take a First Day Hike —Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year.   Maryland State Parks will be offering First Weekend hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2022 – January  Read the Rest…



Maryland State Parks Receive Grants for Important Conservation Work

Nonprofit Provides ‘Small Grant, Big Impact’ Funds for 15 Projects  The Maryland Park Service was awarded 15 improvement project grants by the Friends of Maryland State Parks through the organization’s program, “Small Grants, Big Impact!” This funding is for projects that focus on conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation, and are important additions benefitting Maryland  Read the Rest…


Secretary’s Message – August 2022

Working to Protect Our Resources for Generations to Come I know we are not supposed to have favorites, but one of my favorite programs at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is our conservation corps. These important programs provide workforce and leadership training to youth and veterans, which is important not just for our  Read the Rest…


Conservation Jobs Corps Graduates Class of 2022

Maryland Teens Complete Outdoor Jobs Skills Program  More than three dozen young Marylanders celebrated their graduation from the Conservation Jobs Corps August 2 after five weeks of job training, conservation education, hard work, and fun. The ceremony was held at Sandy Point State Park in Anne Arundel County with former Veterans Conservation Corps crew leader  Read the Rest…


Maryland Conservation Corps Recruiting Young Adults for 2022-23

Award-Winning Program Provides Practical Experience and Skills Training The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now recruiting members for the Maryland Conservation Corps, an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults aged 17-25 in extensive conservation, environmental, and natural resources management projects across the state. The department seeks to hire 35 full-time members who will  Read the Rest…


Maryland State Parks Invite Public to Support Our Pollinators

‘Project Butterfly & Bumblebee’ Includes Activities and Donation Opportunities  This spring, the Maryland Park Service has launched Project Butterfly & Bumblebee, an ongoing slate of programs and activities to educate the general public about the role pollinators play in maintaining diverse ecosystems and the nation’s food supply. Pollinators are any insect or animal that transfers  Read the Rest…


Secretary’s Message – May 2022

Opening Up Maryland’s Great Outdoors As we approach the start of summer season, DNR is prepared to meet it with new additions to our Maryland State Park system and a growing list of outdoor recreation and education opportunities. 


Lt. Governor Rutherford Kicks off Maryland State Park Week With Sandy Point Nature Center Dedication Ceremony

Announced Two New State Parks Will Open During State Park Week, April 15-22 Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford today joined the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to announce the second Maryland State Park Week, with a ribbon-cutting at the Sandy Point State Park Nature Center. The new center features a Chesapeake Bay themed playground  Read the Rest…


Secretary’s Message – April 2022

Planting Seeds for Future Growth Recent cold weather aside, spring is in full swing, and this year is definitely one to celebrate. As flowers begin to bloom and birds begin to nest, we are pleased to return to many of our favorite warm-weather traditions — including burning socks and planting trees! In fact, I recently  Read the Rest…


Fishing Rodeos Kick off for 2022 Season

Young Angler Events Return Across Maryland Youth anglers of all ages are encouraged to hone their fishing skills at any of Maryland’s nearly 50 youth fishing rodeos spread out across the state this year.  The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is working with dozens of organizations in 14 counties crisscrossing the state to offer  Read the Rest…





Secretary’s Message — December 2021

Honoring our Past, Preserving our Future December is a great time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, so I decided to dedicate this month’s message to our amazing partners, volunteers, and staff who make our accomplishments possible.  Earlier this year, I was pleased to host Employee Appreciation celebrations at various state park locations throughout the  Read the Rest…



Secretary’s Message – May 2021

May in Maryland – Time for Boats, Birds, and Cicadas!  Spring weather means boating season — and I am among the thousands of Marylanders eager to get out on the water. Heavy traffic is expected again on our waterways as outdoor recreation continues to increase. Keep an eye out for our boater safety reminders this  Read the Rest…


Maryland Park Quest Takes Flight for 2021 Season

Annual Adventure Runs May 1 through Oct. 31 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the annual Maryland Park Quest returns for 2021, running from May 1 through Oct. 31. In this beloved annual tradition, more than 25 Maryland State Parks, will offer opportunities to engage families in outdoor activities to experience Maryland’s vast cultural, historical,  Read the Rest…


Secretary’s Message – April 2021

Celebrating Our Earth this Spring As we continue to recover from the pandemic, I am more enthused than ever to welcome back spring and get outside. April in particular is a month full of events and opportunities to highlight our state’s amazing natural resources. In fact, it is becoming known as “Earth Month” for its  Read the Rest…


Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Announce 45 Percent Increase in Maryland State Parks Attendance in 2020

Record Visitation Reflects Growing Interest in Outdoor Recreation Amid Pandemic Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced a 45 percent increase in final attendance for Maryland State Parks in 2020 compared to the previous record-setting visitation attendance in 2019. In 2020, Maryland State Parks welcomed 21.5 million  Read the Rest…


Maryland Park Service Superintendent Recognized for Distinguished Service

Ranger Nita Settina Honored by National Association of State Park Directors Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by a premiere national association of state park professionals. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD), an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting state parks, presented the award at its  Read the Rest…






Maryland Conservation Corps Graduates Class of 2019-2020

‘MCC Strong’ Members Completed 1,700 Service Hours The Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored 31 members of the 2019-2020 Maryland Conservation Corps during their virtual graduation program on August 5. The virtual ceremony commemorated the students’ completion of 10 months of job training, conservation work, and stewardship with the Maryland Park Service. Members from across  Read the Rest…


Archives



doit-ewspw-W01